[sparksta]

Hello,

1. will the playbook most propably ship with
2.0.7xxx?

2. Can i still sideload and istall android apps on 2.0.7xxx

3. am i forced to update to 2.1 once its released?

Most important for me is that it will run android apps.

I have read smth about localbar (what is it?) not working on 2.0.7xxx

So is it save to buy a playbook and what will be possible if it should be on 2.0.7xxx?

[chrispipe]

Hello,

1. will the playbook most propably ship with
2.0.7xxx?

If you mean 2.0.1.358, that is the latest OS version released. But it will probably ship will 2.0 instead. Depends how long it's been sitting on the shelf I suppose.

2. Can i still sideload and istall android apps on 2.0.7xxx

Again, assuming .358, yes you absolutely may sideload android apps (and playbook native apps as well, free ones preferably :P).

3. am i forced to update to 2.1 once its released?

You are not FORCED to update, however if you refuse the update, it is my understanding that it will nag you at least whenever you power on the device that an update is available. Which makes sense, if I fixed a bunch of bugs in software I had developed, I would want to push it on users too. If nothing else, to lower the amount of support calls received for issues that had been corrected already but the user refused the patch. (Anyone feel free to step in and correct me here if that is not correct, I've never refused an update personally)

Most important for me is that it will run android apps.

I have read smth about localbar (what is it?) not working on 2.0.7xxx

So is it save to buy a playbook?

Localbar is an app you can sideload to be able to install bar files directly FROM the playbook (no need to sideload once you have localbar installed. You simply open localbar and it will search out the applications you have .bars for on your playbook, and you tap to install). This required your playbook to be rooted, which is no longer possible on the new OS version. They had it working on 2.0 before, but an update broke it and I don't recall reading that it was back to working again sadly. Only a small issue, there aren't often times I think of an app that I want and can't wait the few minutes to download and sideload. I'm generally always near a computer. For some, this may be an annoyance - but hey, free apps!

It's absolutely safe to buy a playbook, they are fantastic little devices and I have personally been using it more and more over time. You start out slow, playing with it, throwing on a bunch of games and dumb apps just to see what it can do. Then you actually find "real-world" uses for it, and it becomes a part of you. Okay, that might be a little overboard. I speak for myself only here :P

Hope you're happy with whatever decision you make here, and I also hope that you found this information useful!

**EDIT: I just noticed that was your first post, welcome to Crackberry membership :P

[ChromiumNitrate]

Hello,

1. will the playbook most propably ship with
2.0.7xxx?

2. Can i still sideload and istall android apps on 2.0.7xxx

3. am i forced to update to 2.1 once its released?

Most important for me is that it will run android apps.

I have read smth about localbar (what is it?) not working on 2.0.7xxx

So is it save to buy a playbook and what will be possible if it should be on 2.0.7xxx?

1) The PlayBook doesn't really "ship" with an OS. Instead when you first turn it on you will connect the PlayBook to the Internet, the latest OS will then download and install.

2)You can sideload Android apps on the current version (2.0.1.358).

3) You will not be forced, but 2.1 looks to improve android app support by adding a camera API and "multitasking". 2.1 will not remove the ability to sideload Android apps. However, you may have more difficulty pirating native PlayBook apps

4) I have no idea about localbar, I use DDPB to sideload Android apps.

[chrispipe]

1) The PlayBook doesn't really "ship" with an OS. Instead when you first turn it on you will connect the PlayBook to the Internet, the latest OS will then download and install.

I didn't have wifi when I first powered on the playbook, and it had an OS because I was playing with it. When I turned it on and connected to wifi I was asked to update to the latest software. I had to go through the setup process, but just didn't connect to a wireless access point since none were around.

Mine absolutely shipped with an OS.

[ChromiumNitrate]

I didn't have wifi when I first powered on the playbook, and it had an OS because I was playing with it. When I turned it on and connected to wifi I was asked to update to the latest software. I had to go through the setup process, but just didn't connect to a wireless access point since none were around.

Mine absolutely shipped with an OS.

Pardon me, I stand corrected.

[chrispipe]

Pardon me, I stand corrected.

Either that, or mine had been previously turned on? (the box was sealed, so i highly doubt it)

It happens, no biggy

[nazreil25]

Hello,

1. will the playbook most propably ship with
2.0.7xxx?

2. Can i still sideload and istall android apps on 2.0.7xxx

3. am i forced to update to 2.1 once its released?

Most important for me is that it will run android apps.

I have read smth about localbar (what is it?) not working on 2.0.7xxx

So is it save to buy a playbook and what will be possible if it should be on 2.0.7xxx?

Are you asking us if you can still root your device?

[sparksta]

i would like to root it.

but im confused with all that versions!

So my pb should be virgin out of the box?

If i want to root it i should not update to 2.0.0.7xxxx

so i gotta do some cfp thingy at first boot?

Isnt 2.0.0.7xxx the actual firmware?

[sparksta]

ok got it 2.0.0.7xxx is in the past!

were at 2.0.1.3xxx

So if my pb comes with that version its not rootable?

Its still possible to sideload until 2.1?

How easy is it to sideload convert and install?

Are there signs developers will provide apps after 2.1 or are we screwed?

So without rooting the only thing i loose is:

direct android market (which is not bad because of sideload) and usb host?

Thanx in advance

[Tomcat_Alley]

I would suggest that people on here are potentially trying to force a PB sale. But OP, have you considered, that if Android apps are that important perhaps you should get an Android tablet? I'd recommend the Galaxy Tab 7.7, it has 100% Android compatibility.

Playbook's Android compatibility is limited. not everything is available and of what is available not all of it works all the time. the whole android compatibility thing is actually dreadful. fortunately, most of us have no real need for it.

But like i say, DO NOT buy a Playbook because you have heard it runs Android apps. this is the fastest way to disappointment and regretting your purchase.

[F2]

One other clarifying point. If the unit is the normal new unit, it does not matter what OS is on it - when you power it up the first time, it requires WIFI and will not do anything until you upgrade to the current OS, no matter what OS (actually, some kind of loader - the unit will NOT work out of the box) is packaged on the unit.

[sparksta]

well im just getting a pb now!

if not every android app runs its fine.

from this forum i get that its quality build and has a good value for the money.

Im getting one for 189€

compared to galaxy 7.7 400€

Its mostly for surfing the web.

but tv out and streaming would be cool if it works.

Also usong it as tv remote or desktop remote is in my mind.

If these things work apps are not that important.

[goku_vegeta]

I didn't have wifi when I first powered on the playbook, and it had an OS because I was playing with it. When I turned it on and connected to wifi I was asked to update to the latest software. I had to go through the setup process, but just didn't connect to a wireless access point since none were around.

Mine absolutely shipped with an OS.

Chances are that yes the PlayBook was brand new, untouched BUT, RIM initially had an OS installed (as always) but apparently either they shipped it fast enough, or you bought it with just the right timing that there was no new update for it. For instance when I bought my PlayBook in the first week of February, I had to download OS 1.0.8.6067, that particular OS came out on December 6th 2011. Chances are the PlayBook shipped with OS 1.0.8.4985 (last previous OS) but by the time it shipped to futureshop the OS for 1.0.8.6067 was released and therefore it had prompted me to install it during the setup. The key is the timing, knowing that stores don't "activate" the PlayBook, the OS it ships with is the OS that was loaded when the PlayBook was over in Taiwan.

[sparksta]

update!

got one!

Hello community

so once im home i can (have to) go to version 2.0.1.3xxx?

i think i have to update at first start to use it so i guess rooting is no option for me?

Sorry but i think ill have a few questions later...

Regarding installing .bar files etc

but i guess i will find tuts on this forum?

From playing with it in the store i have to say the os is pretty responsive compared to stuttering android....

Well so far so good...

Now i have to find out what is possible and what is not!

but for 189€ this is worth a try...

[goku_vegeta]

I would suggest that people on here are potentially trying to force a PB sale. But OP, have you considered, that if Android apps are that important perhaps you should get an Android tablet? I'd recommend the Galaxy Tab 7.7, it has 100% Android compatibility.

Playbook's Android compatibility is limited. not everything is available and of what is available not all of it works all the time. the whole android compatibility thing is actually dreadful. fortunately, most of us have no real need for it.

But like i say, DO NOT buy a Playbook because you have heard it runs Android apps. this is the fastest way to disappointment and regretting your purchase.

I don't think ANY android device has 100 percent compatibility with ALL the apps in the Android app market (Now renamed to Google Play). This is due to the fragmentation. Granted yes it will run the vast majority of them. The Android runtime for the PlayBook is actually not too bad. It turned it was very handy for my uses and for me personally I've noticed some of my Android apps load up faster than some of my native third party ones

[sparksta]

thanx guys for all the answers!

But one thing!

whats up with this cfp thing?

i understood its smth i need to do at first boot to keep the pb at 2.0.0.4xxx

Is this still possible / actual or is it old at not possible anymore?

[Tomcat_Alley]

I don't think ANY android device has 100 percent compatibility with ALL the apps in the Android app market (Now renamed to Google Play). This is due to the fragmentation. Granted yes it will run the vast majority of them. The Android runtime for the PlayBook is actually not too bad. It turned it was very handy for my uses and for me personally I've noticed some of my Android apps load up faster than some of my native third party ones

you could be right, I know some phones do suffer from poor compatibility, usually the weird ones, like the ChaCha, or the Mini10, but as far as i know, there hasnt been any compatibility issues with the higher end tablets that come with playstore rather than Applib or any of the other third rate market versions

As for the Android player, I PAID for an app only to discover it was android, i was very put out, i do have Skype, Tumblr, and Kindle sideloaded, but dislike the fact you can only use one at a time. not that i have found much use for them anyway, i barely use skype and when i have to i do it on the PC, i prefer Kobo to Kindle and use Copious notes instead of Tumblr,
Its a decent enough feature to have, and I grant it brought over a lot of developer interest in the PB, but sadly as a selling feature... it sucks. Many people bought PB's based on hearing it would run android apps, and assume that the PB will have access to the Playstore, and run android apps as thought they were native, which alas isn't the case, and almost everyone i've heard of buying a Playbook because of the Android compatibility has come away disappointed.

[sparksta]

hey its me again

i really dont want to disturb but im home now and kind of stuck!

I have not turned on the pb yet!

So what i would like to know is:

Is there still a chance to root it with some cfp thing i found on this forum yes or no?

"Yes it is possible to root a fresh Playbook.

1. Find cfp 3.9.0.165 online + 4869 firmware.
2. Run: cfp load 4869.signed
3. When above is successful, continue with setup and allow update to complete.
4. Before it reboots (while counting down 10 seconds to reboot), run the following command:
cfp resetqnxosregion
5. You now have a fully set up 4869 firmware that is rootable using Dingleberry 3.3.3.

Step #4 is most important. Otherwise you will have non-rootable PB."


Or should i just switch it on and connect to my wireless network in order to update to recent Os version?

I just dont want to miss anything before updating

[goku_vegeta]

you could be right, I know some phones do suffer from poor compatibility, usually the weird ones, like the ChaCha, or the Mini10, but as far as i know, there hasnt been any compatibility issues with the higher end tablets that come with playstore rather than Applib or any of the other third rate market versions

As for the Android player, I PAID for an app only to discover it was android, i was very put out, i do have Skype, Tumblr, and Kindle sideloaded, but dislike the fact you can only use one at a time. not that i have found much use for them anyway, i barely use skype and when i have to i do it on the PC, i prefer Kobo to Kindle and use Copious notes instead of Tumblr,
Its a decent enough feature to have, and I grant it brought over a lot of developer interest in the PB, but sadly as a selling feature... it sucks. Many people bought PB's based on hearing it would run android apps, and assume that the PB will have access to the Playstore, and run android apps as thought they were native, which alas isn't the case, and almost everyone i've heard of buying a Playbook because of the Android compatibility has come away disappointed.

For the most part compatibility will be good with the phones and tablets from well known OEMs. You'll still find apps here and there that aren't compatible, they aren't supposed to show up in the Google Play store but they do sometimes because of the device identification or Google Play store application identification. In essence only a compatible app should show in the Google Play store for compatible devices only. Although sometimes you'll end up with a non functioning app. This is due to the fragmentation with Android. It happens on BlackBerry App World for the smartphones, but only if you have a direct app world link to a certain app that is not compatible with your BlackBerry Smartphone model.

[chrispipe]

Chances are that yes the PlayBook was brand new, untouched BUT, RIM initially had an OS installed (as always) but apparently either they shipped it fast enough, or you bought it with just the right timing that there was no new update for it. For instance when I bought my PlayBook in the first week of February, I had to download OS 1.0.8.6067, that particular OS came out on December 6th 2011. Chances are the PlayBook shipped with OS 1.0.8.4985 (last previous OS) but by the time it shipped to futureshop the OS for 1.0.8.6067 was released and therefore it had prompted me to install it during the setup. The key is the timing, knowing that stores don't "activate" the PlayBook, the OS it ships with is the OS that was loaded when the PlayBook was over in Taiwan.

That's actually a really good explaination of what happened with mine. I didn't require WIFI when I initially turned it on though (first time out of the box), I just had to go through the initial setup and just skipped the wifi part, and the OS booted up just fine. I have no idea which version it shipped with, I didn't think to check, was too busy swiping frantically and clicking stuff :P

Thanks for commenting though! That was a pretty informative comment, and again, likely exactly what my situation was when I opened it.